The Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) began in 1968 as a volunteer advocacy organization comprised of parents, relatives and friends of residents of the Vineland Developmental Center (VDC). PAFA is independently chartered and incorporated as a private, not-for-profit organization. To assist in providing community residences for VDC residents, PAFA formed a relationship with VDC in which PAFA would build and renovate homes and oversee the maintenance of the homes and vehicles and VDC would provide for the staffing needs in each home. The first residence that opened as part of this joint venture was Park Avenue Group Home, in 1982. To date, PAFA has built and/or renovated, and maintained 21 group homes, 3 apartment complexes and a fleet of vans. These residential programs provide community living for approximately 190 women.

In 1985, PAFA expanded its realm of services to include an Adult Training Center. The Training Center provides a variety of opportunities for 135 developmentally disables persons who reside in PAFA residential programs as well as other community-based residences, to include: production work, supported employment, community living skills, a senior’s program, a lunch/bakery program, a greenhouse and various community trips.

In 1997, PAFACOM (Parents and Friends Association Community Services) was incorporated to address the expansion and continued maintenance of all ventures, both joint and independent. In July of 2000, PAFACOM, Inc. opened its first residence, independent of VDC in Mays Landing, New Jersey. To date, PAFACOM, Inc. has opened and operates a total of 3 homes, which provide residential services to an additional 8 individuals.